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The High Ways and By Ways of North Kerry

From Tralee take the R551 road to the village of Ardfert famous for its cathedral. Proceed straight to Banna famous for its strand and association with Roger Casement a prominent figure in early 20th century Irish History. The village of Ballyheigue offers an extensive beach as well as an interesting Castle. The village is reputed to have the driest weather in Kerry annually. A circular drive around the nearby Kerry Head Peninsula is highly recommended with scenic panoramas overlooking the Dingle Peninsula and Clare Coast. Drive back to the R551 through the village of Causeway and on to Ballyduff which has a prime example of a perfectly preserved round tower at Rattoo. Crossing the River Cashen the very well known seaside resort of Ballybunion is reached, the town boasts magnificent beaches and is equally famous for its championship Golf Links. There are numerous amenities for the holiday maker and the views across the estuary to the Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare are spectacular. From here it is recommended to take the coast road to Ballylongford via Beal. Along this route the Clare coast looks very near across the Estuary and at Knockanore Hill (Hill of the Slaughter) views can be had on clear days as far north to the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Killarney to the south. Ballylongford Village boasts the interesting Carrigafoyle Castle on the Shannon Estuary. It is also the birthplace of one of the finest modern day Irish Poets Brendan Kennelly. The village of Tarbert is shaped like a T. From here join the N69 road back to the town of Listowel which is pleasantly situated on the banks of the river Feale. The town and surrounding areas are synonymous with the wealth of writers that have come from here. Names like John B.Keane, Bryan Mc Mahon, George Fitzmaurice are forever associated with this area. Listowel Writer’s Week takes place at the end of every May. Halfway between Tralee and Listowel is the “Day in the Bog" experience located at the foothills of the Stack’s Mountains. Tralee is the county town of Kerry and is the administrative centre of the County. Every August it hosts the International Festival “The Rose of Tralee”. Visitor attractions in the town include the Kerry County Museum in the Ashe Memorial Hall, the Aquadome, the Blennerville Windmill and Steam Train as well as Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. The fishing port of Fenit with its extensive marina is located 13km west of the town and is well worth a visit. The town of Castleisland with its wide streets is located 19km to the east of Tralee. It is home to Crag Cave which is a striking example of the underground limestone nature of the surrounding countryside.

Directions:

R551 Tralee - Ardfert - Banna - Ballyheigue - Causeway - Ballyduff - Ballybunion - Beal - Asdee - Ballylongford - Tarbert N69 - Listowel - Tralee

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